Enjoy the outdoors in British Columbia

Canada's immense outdoor world contains some of the most beautiful natural sights on the planet, from snow-capped mountains and clear lakes to vast plains and cliffs.

If you are keen to explore western Canada then the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast in British Columbia offers a wide range of active holidays.

Sandwiched between the top ski resort of Whistler to the south and Alaska to the north, the area contains thousands of lakes and rivers and is well-known for its wildlife.

Holidaymakers can ride horses and go hiking along centuries old trails, go mountain biking, see wild horses, go fishing, kayaking and boating - all in the same region.

The coastline runs for almost 10,000 miles with beaches, coves and inlets that offer saltwater fishing and hiking activities, as well as being home to the rare kermode bear (also known as the spirit bear).

The history of the Cariboo and Chilcotin regions is tied to the wild west gold rush - with the 19th century seeing thousands of gold rush adventurers heading to the area, in particular Williams Creek, where gold was discovered.

Holidaymakers keen on experiencing the outdoors with the adrenalin rush of mountain biking can go on a day-trips with Adrenalin Mountain Adventures.

The company has cycling excursions that start at Williams Lake, where bikers get to descend through the Frasier Plateau in the morning. On the way there is the impressive sight of towering rock formations, known as hoodoos, by the river.

In the afternoon, the cycling trip moves on to the sand hills of Hourglass and Second Hour, giving holidaymakers a chance to ride to a site where ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) can be seen.

Another sight in the region that is hard to beat are the wild horses in the Brittany Triangle.

The area stretches over 380,000 acres and is home to herds of wild horses thought to have descended from Spanish mustangs.

To see them, holidaymakers should be willing to get into the saddle themselves. The Elkin Creek Guest Ranch runs excursions for its guests on horseback to see the horses. The guest house has three, four and seven-day packages available.

For travellers looking for the walking holiday experience, BC Adventure offers detailed information on exploring the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail, which can also be enjoyed on horseback.

For more information see www.landwithoutlimits.com and uk.britishcolumbia.travel